American Diabetes Association Announces Research Collaboration With Boehringer Ingelheim

Awards Will Focus on Chronic Kidney Disease and Renal Insufficiency in Diabetes

ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwired - Mar 24, 2014) - The American Diabetes Association (Association) is pleased to announce The American Diabetes Association and Boehringer Ingelheim Research Award: Chronic Kidney Disease and Renal Insufficiency in the Setting of Diabetes, a three-year collaborative research program aimed at improving the evidence base for, and clinical care of, people with chronic kidney disease and diabetes. The research program is made possible through $1.5 million in funding from Boehringer Ingelheim and will be directed, managed and overseen by the Association.

"The American Diabetes Association is thrilled to join with Boehringer Ingelheim in the creation of The American Diabetes Association and Boehringer Ingelheim Award: Chronic Kidney Disease and Renal Insufficiency in the Setting of Diabetes research grants," said Elizabeth R. Seaquist, MD, President, Medicine & Science, American Diabetes Association. "Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, accounting for more than 40 percent of new cases. These awards will be critical in helping us better understand the issues surrounding the relationship between diabetes and chronic kidney disease, and how we can manage it better medically."

The creation of the awards was announced as the Association was hosting a research consensus conference where attendees addressed a number of issues related to the topic of chronic kidney disease and renal insufficiency in the setting of diabetes. The conference featured presentations on the existing clinical evidence base, and included a moderated discussion which identified and prioritized critical gaps in the evidence and developed recommendations for the future research. Following these recommendations, a request for applications to support The American Diabetes Association and Boehringer Ingelheim Award: Chronic Kidney Disease and Renal Insufficiency in the Setting of Diabetes will be developed to address these evidence gaps.

"Chronic kidney disease is a major complication in people with diabetes and is associated with a significant burden for patients and health care systems," said Hans-Jürgen Wörle, Vice President, Therapeutic Area Medicine Metabolism, Boehringer Ingelheim. "With support of this research program in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association, Boehringer Ingelheim hopes to advance the understanding and management of this devastating diabetes complication."

Requests for applications for the awards will be announced in spring 2014.

Throughout the years, the Association has funded innovative and groundbreaking diabetes research and has invested approximately $675 million in more than 4,000 research projects. The Association's research allows people to lead healthier and more productive lives every day.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure, and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.